Chemically, hydrocortisone is [Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 11, 17, 21- trihydroxy-,(11ß)-] with the molecular formula CHO and is represented by the following structural formula:

and iodoquinol, 5,7-diiodo-8-quinolinol (CHINO) is represented by the following structure:

Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agent, while iodoquinol is an antifungal and antibacterial agent.

Hydrocortisone has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictor properties. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity is unclear. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.

Iodoquinol has both antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.

Once absorbed through the skin, hydrocortisone is metabolized in the liver and most body tissues to hydrogenated and degraded forms such as tetrahydrocortisone and tetrahydrocortisol. These are excreted in the urine, mainly conjugated as glucuronides, together with a very small proportion of unchanged hydrocortisone.

There are no data available regarding the percutaneous absorption of iodoquinol; however, following oral administration, 3-5% of the dose was recovered in the urine as a glucuronide.

Based on a review of a related drug by the National Research Council and subsequent FDA classification for that drug, the indications are as follows:

Hydrocortisone 1%−Iodoquinol 1% Cream is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, iodoquinol or any other components of the preparation.

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep away from eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Keep tube tightly closed.

If irritation develops, the use of Hydrocortisone 1%−Iodoquinol 1% Cream should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Staining of the skin, hair and fabrics may occur. If extensive areas are treated or if the occlusive technique is used, the possibility exists of increased systemic absorption of the corticosteroid, and suitable precautions should be taken. Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity. Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child being treated in the diaper area, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings. Iodoquinol may be absorbed through the skin and interfere with thyroid function tests. If such tests are contemplated, wait at least one month after discontinuance of therapy to perform these tests. The ferric chloride test for phenylketonuria (PKU) can yield a false positive result if iodoquinol is present in the diaper or urine.

Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms requiring appropriate therapy.

Long term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of hydrocortisone or iodoquinol.

In vitro studies to determine mutagenicity with hydrocortisone have revealed negative results. Mutagenicity studies have not been conducted with iodoquinol.

Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with Hydrocortisone 1%−Iodoquinol 1% Cream. It is not known whether Hydrocortisone 1%−Iodoquinol 1% Cream can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Hydrocortisone 1%−Iodoquinol 1% Cream should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Hydrocortisone 1%−Iodoquinol 1% Cream is administered to a nursing woman.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence:

Apply to affected area 3 to 4 times daily in accordance with physician’s directions.

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